CAPTAIN BEN TO MISS GRAND FINAL

Poole 'Wessex Marine' Pirates' hopes of restoring the SGB Cab Direct Championship trophy back to the cabinet after a year's absence have been delivered a major blow with captain Ben Cook ruled out of the Grand Final.

Cook was admitted to hospital after crashing in the semi-final play-off in the ROWE Premiership whilst riding for Belle Vue at Sheffield on Thursday and although scans have revealed no serious injury, Cook did sustain a heavy bout of concussion and under racing rules means he will be stood down for a minimum nine day mandatory period.

Speaking of the impact that the absence of Cook will have on the Pirates realising their goal, Poole promoter Dan Ford said "we are obviously disappointed for Ben but I am thankful that he's avoided serious injury. He has been fantastic for us all season, both as a rider and a leader. It's a big loss not have him on the track for the Grand Final but he'll still be there in the pits, supporting the team. We're hoping to have him back for the other finals, but sadly he will miss both legs against Oxford. We will have to bring in guest riders to cover but we will be giving it everything."

Oxford are the only side to have won at Wimborne Road this term and so the Pirates are keen to settle a score, giving them further motivation as they head to Oxford on Wednesday (25th) September in the first leg of the Grand Final, a venue where, this season, they have made two previous visits and and posted scores of 44 and 45 respectively.

Photo credit Anthony Burchell